#sizhen

[i-like-danmei-ig]

Chibis I drew for the juniors g4g!!

[saebaragi]

???????? wheres all the zhuizhen content?????? whats wrong with this fandom???????

[singingintheshower48]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

A belated post for Day 2 of Lingyi week! Part 2 coming on Day 6.

———

Title: Can’t Keep Holding My Breath

Pairing/Fandom: Jing Ling and Lan Jingyi, Mo Dao Zu Shi

Rating: T

Summary: Two post-canon snippets about Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi enduring growing pains, enduring a war, and somehow finding their way together.

[ruensroad]

Starstruck

Are people tired of new AU’s yet? XD

It’s a JinYi so you only have @this-solaris-life to blame. P: Featuring Models!Jingyi and Yuan, author/conceptual artist!Jin Ling and illustrator!Zizhen.

(and behind the scenes Xicheng because it’s ME.)

---

It wasn’t the largest convention he’d ever walked into, but the crush of people felt oddly more intense as he followed Yuan’s expert weaving through the main area to the back building, where the Artist Alley had been laid out. Perhaps it was because only a bare medical mask was all that stood between him and what could be a crush of fangirls that he couldn’t seem to catch his breath, perhaps it was because of just who was in that Artist Alley. Probably a bit of both.

All he knew was that if Yuan’s arm wasn’t linked through his, he’d have been lost an hour ago. Typing furiously on their phones - Jingyi to his father, Yuan to his boyfriend - they’d managed to keep their heads down and look normal enough not to be noticed as the models they were, which was a headache Jingyi didn’t need. He just wished his father was a better distraction considering he himself was now the fanboy. Lan Huan, long disappeared into Artist’s Alley to find his own fanboy crush, had only sent him keyboard-smashed sentences the past hour, which was cute since ba-ba only ever wrote out his texts in perfect grammar. It just did nothing for his own herd of butterflies bashing around in his stomach, keyboard-smashing right back in spirit.

If he made it out of this without fainting, he’d consider it a win.

It was thankfully quieter in the artist’s area, with more rows of tables to better thin out the crowds. Jingyi and Yuan still kept their heads down, just in case their masks were not enough, though it didn’t take long before Yuan was quickening his steps, jolting his already struggling breath right out of him again.

Because there it was, Table C71 and C72, with the partition down between them to make a double table. One side for the illustrator of the comics splattered all over the wall behind the two men sitting there, and the other for the author…

The author, who was unfairly attractive with his hair pulled up messily and a pencil behind his ear, grinning at people as they moved up with books to be signed.

“Oh my gods,” Jingyi croaked out and did his best to stop. Yuan slowed, but pulled him along still, stronger than he looked. “I can’t do this.”

“You can and you will,” Yuan laughed, then excitedly waved through a break in the crowd. “Ah, they see us! A-Zhen!”

The illustrator grinned wide behind his glasses and practically leapt over the table to join them amidst a gaggle of giggling girls. Jingyi barely let go of Yuan before his friend was engulfed in a hug.

“You made it!” Ouyang Zizhen said, holding his hand out to Jingyi with Yuan beaming under his arm. “A-Yuan told us so much about you.”

One didn’t become a model without being starstruck often, meeting idols left and right. But these two men, who’s only spotlight was a warm spot in a comic convention, who’s following were loyal Weibo and Twitter users, not rich companies trying to break their pockets - these two men were a whole new brand of awe, because Jingyi had chosen to follow them, to love their work and stalk their social media.

Shaking the hand of an artist who helped fill his world with some normal, exciting joy was breathtaking.

“Only the bad stuff,” Yuan promised as they shook hands, eyes soft and sweet over his mask. He nuzzled under Zizhen’s jaw like a cat and Jingyi had to bite down a laugh to see it. “Speaking of, did you get it?”

Jingyi immediately felt on guard with the near identical grins on their faces, curling their eyes to the same half moons. “I did,” Zizhen promised him with a kiss to his cheek, then quickly returned to his table. A white, hardbound book was soon being pressed into Jingyi’s hands when he hurried back and he felt his entire mouth go dry.

“A-Ling put these together for Kingdoms,” Zizhen told him, which was rather unnecessary at that point. Jingyi had fallen so far down the xianxia novel’s hole he’d recognize the border art anywhere. “Last couple sketch pages are a sneak peak into a new character we’re going to introduce.”

“And!” Yuan piped up, just as excitedly and, truly, they were a match of twin devils. “He’s taking quick sketch commissions on the covers. So get in line!”

He couldn’t even make a token protest, manhandled as he was into it, and found himself staring dumbly at the book in his hands as the line slowly moved. Holding an actual, real art piece of an artist he’d crushed on for months was a religious experience, he was starting to realize. No wonder ba-ba’s texts were all keyboard-smashing. Fuck.

Nearly ten minutes of waiting was not nearly enough to prepare for the moment he was pushed to the table and one Jin Ling looked up at him, a smile on his face that immediately faltered in shock. Jingyi belatedly remembered Jin Ling had followed his social media first, which had started this whole mess, and gave a shaky wave and smile, which he showed with a careful pull down of his mask.

“I’m sure Wen Yuan warned you…” he started, awkward, and wanted to smack himself. What a lame first thing to say to his fanboy crush!

Blushing, he thrust the book at the man, which was hardly an improvement. “Uh… can I request a side character?”

He watched Jin Ling shake himself off and quickly covered his mouth again when the horde of fans behind and around him peeked in on the newest commission. Jin Ling nodded, all business, and pulled free his pencil as he righted the cover to the correct orientation. “Who would you like?”

Gods, his voice was even better than he’d imagined. Smooth and low, almost surprisingly so, and his eyes had a honeyed sheen. Jingyi had to take a moment just to remember to breathe and not vibrate clear through the floor.

“Rulan,” he said, decisive on that. “He only appeared in a few chapters, but I’ve always been curious about him.”

Oddly, that had Jin Ling blushing, but with a nod he put down some drawing guidelines. “He’s a favorite of mine,” was his quiet admission, nearly imperceptible over the excited murmuring surrounding them. “I hope i can do more with him in the future.”

The news had all awkwardness fleeing in a heady rush. Jingyi laughed, startling him, and leaned in to eagerly watch him. “Please do! He’s so biting and funny, but also strong and gallant. My kind of character.”

Jin Ling was handsome, always, but with rosy cheeks he was stunning. Clearing his throat, the artist tucked his pencil back behind his ear and pulled out a Sharpie. Seemingly out of a bare circle and line, the smirking, cocky face of Rulan took shape and quickly. Jingyi watched him in open awe. 

“It’s Jingyi, right?” Jin Ling asked, voice even quieter, and it was only because Jingyi was leaning in so close that he heard it at all. Their eyes met, a mere foot of space between them, and Jingyi felt his own face heat, even as a smile spread wide over his lips.

“It is,” he nodded, feeling like they were running with a joke only they knew, a charming secret shared, and it was only his name. Gods, he had it bad.

Jin Ling smiled at that, bashful, but a hint of that confident grin on his profile picture was starting to take root. Which did nothing for Jingyi’s heart. Shit. 

“Well, Jingyi, thank you for liking Rulan,” he said and lifted the completed book to him, face open and almost sweet. “It was a pleasure to draw him.”

Jingyi took the book and stared down at the quickly sketched in, very beloved face of his favorite character. For Jingyi, from Jin Ling had been set in the corner and he felt his heart start to gallop.

“In my line of work… well, I guess I’ve come to appreciate the people behind the scenes, so to speak,” he said, hoping Jin Ling would understand. “I will always like Rulan, even if you turn him into an asshole. He was the first character I fell for.”

Jin Ling blushed again and Jingyi desperately wished he knew the reason for it. Still, that smile was disarming and deadly and Jingyi couldn’t breathe all over again

“He’s already an asshole, but noted,” he laughed, laughed, and Jingyi was pretty sure he could die right then without a regret in the world. “Thank you, Jingyi. I’m sure I’ll see you later, yeah?”

Later. Oh gods, there was a later!

Jingyi swallowed hard and nodded, knowing his beaming smile showed even through his mask. “Definitely.”

[starshinegoblin]

You Came Back?

Writer’s Note: Here is the third installment in mine and @ruensroad​ cursed Sizhen Au! I hope that you enjoy it! It was so much fun writing it! 

READ MORE: PART ONE // PART TWO || SAVE THE TAG  

Lan Sizhui had frowned at the young man’s words but that look didn’t last long. No, it was replaced with one of complete and utter terror as a roar reverberated through the garden. He froze instantly as a shiver streaked down his spine, goosebumps rising to his skin, and the sudden panic filled him all the way to his core. Then his body was moving of its own volition to get to safety. He grabbed his sword and took off running for his life towards the gates escaping the garden. His heart racing so fast in his chest that he was sure that it was going to bust through his rib cage. 

He was almost to the xiao statues when the panic started to fade. The feeling of being chased by whatever that beast was that roared wasn’t there. His hands went to his knees as he leaned forward to try to remember how to breathe. That’s when he also realized that the man who he had been speaking with wasn’t there. Lan Sizhui’s eyes widened and he stood up straight. How could he be such a coward? He at least was a cultivator and he had a sword! That man had nothing. Lan Sizhui turned to go back but froze again. Another shiver running down his back at the memory of that horrible sound. 

The words of his father’s telling him that if he’s scared to always look again ran through his mind. And that’s what he needed to do in order help the man he’d left behind. So, Lan Sizhui calmed himself as much as he could, pushing back the shivering fear, before he decided to head back. 

Lan Sizhui wasn’t going to be careless about going back. He’d seen what the beast had looked like. It was different from anything he’d seen even with his travels with his Uncle Ning. So, he focused on his training on approaching silently. Well as silently as he could in a rundown palace. So, when he gently pushed the gate back open to the garden it creaked. Seeing the silhouette of the beast still there, Lan Sizhui decided to go ahead and rush in. He moved quickly onto the path towards it. Though he came to a stop, raising his sword. Was he scared? Hell yes, he was. The moonlight reflecting off his blade showed him that he was shaking, but he didn’t care. He would…

It was as if time was standing still. Lan Sizhui felt his lips part as he took in the sight of the beast. The wind blew jostling the wisteria blooms that were tangled black hair protruding from the large water deer skull shaped face. Birds that he hadn’t heard earlier were resting happily on those antlers. His eyes drifting past the blood red eyes that looked stunned to him down past the jaw to the black feathers. His eyes catching on the petals there too but more to the missing patches that stood out even more with simple fabric of the blood spattered robes.

The sound of the beast’s voice jolted him from his gawking. Its timber was like of many voices all at once merging with the sickly wail of a deer. 

“You... came back?” the beast asked in a tone that made him think the beast was in confusion as well. 

“Yes… I did.” Lan Sizhui stumbled to say in response. He hadn’t been expecting this. Lan Sizhui knew his training told him to attack but the sight of the beast kept him where he stood. 

“Why did you come back?” the beast asked.

Why had he come back? THE MAN! Lan Sizhui felt heat rising to his cheeks in embarrassment at forgetting his own reasoning. Though he wouldn’t be deterred any more. His eyes narrowed as he stilled his hand. “Where is the man?” He demanded.

“The only man here is you.” The beast answered with a huff. Those eerie red eyes shifting towards the blade that was shaking no longer. The beast shifted so that Lan Sizhui could see where the man had been standing previously. 

“But…” Lan Sizhui started but the words caught in his throat. He lowered his sword a small bit as he thought. 

“Why are you here?” 

“For the man and the missing people!” Lan Sizhui explained, feeling confused. This was not what he thought was going to happen. He thought there would be a fight with the beast. He’d maybe save the man and be on his way. This was way more than...no this was something that his baba would fall into. He snapped his mouth shut at that thought. 

“Like I said before you’re the only man here, and you’re the only one who’s ever returned.” the beast answered. 

“What?” Lan Sizhui frowned, lowering his sword completely, “There were two men here today. One of them told me of xiaos.”

“There have been no others but you step further than the xiaos this day.” The beast responded. 

Lan Sizhui could sense that the beast wasn’t lying and didn’t that just make everything feel weirder. A strange feeling spread in his chest. It was a mixture of doubt and calmness at the same time. He sheathed his sword because he didn’t feel like he was in danger. The beast hadn’t moved any further to come towards him anyway.  His eyes drifted down to the robes that were bloodied and torn. 

The tale the man had spoken of went through his mind. There hadn’t been mention of any bloodshed. Only that they all vanished overnight. His gaze went back to the missing patches of feathers. That meant that others have come before but did any of that blood come from the missing people? Lan Sizhui hadn’t felt that sensation he usually did when he was lied to. He looked up to ask the beast again about the missing people, but the beast spoke first.

“Those you seek aren’t here. Leave.” the beast stated. 

Once again Lan Sizhui didn’t feel like the beast was being untruthful, but he did feel like something was missing just like those people. And he wouldn’t go against the instinct that he’d taught himself to trust. The beast wanted him to leave but he wouldn’t abandon his task now. 

“I will leave but I will be back again tomorrow.” Lan Sizhui responded back, earning a snort of doubt from the beast. Lan Sizhui was turning to leave when he heard the birds start to chirp upon the beasts head. He stopped looking over his shoulder for a moment seeing a look he couldn’t quite describe especially since the beast’s head was the skull of water deer. Confusion set in him as he decided to go ahead and leave the beast to his birds. He would be back after more investigation in town, and speaking with his disciples. If Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi had arrived, he would talk to them as well.

---

Additional Notes

Baba - informal; father - referring to Wei Wuxian. 

[starshinegoblin]

You Shouldn’t Be Here

Writer’s Note: This beautiful AU for Sizhen (Lan Sizhui and Ouyang Zizhen) wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful co-creator, @ruensroad ! Here is the first part of our tale of a cursed Zizhen and a hunter who comes to save the beast!

“Thank you.” Sizhui said to the young woman who brought him his dinner. He’d meant to meet up with Lan Jingyi and Jin Ling, because they’d been separated due to their hunts. But now they were finally going to be able meet up. However, Jin Ling had sent him a letter earlier letting him know that he and Lan Jinyi would be late. Their hunt had taken longer than they anticipated. Which is how he’d ended up in this tea house with the pouring rain outside. He’d left his two junior disciples at the inn. He would go back later once the rain stopped. Lan Sizhui was just about to take a bite of his blackened salmon when he heard a young woman scolding her husband.

“You fool! How could you go there with him?” The woman fussed. Lan Sizhui heard a sharp smack to probably his head making him wince. “You know that the place is dangerous with that beast there!”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I -”

“No buts!” She interrupted her husband.

“Oh come on, difu.” a man stated, “You know that it’s only a tale we tell the little ones not to go into the abandoned mansion.”

“The magistrates officers put the warning signs at the beginning of the road for a reason.” The woman countered with a heavy sigh, “And it’s not a tale! There have been people that’ve died there! A whole clan was murdered in that mansion by that beast that haunts the place.”

Lan Sizhui lowered his food back to his plate, continuing to listen to the three.

“Sounds just like that tale out of Yunmeng about the water beast of Lotus Pier.” the woman’s brother-in-law replied.

“Oh? And what of the missing people? In the past four months there have been six people gone missing after being near that mansion!”

“Coincidence and they didn’t die in a massacre! I bet their sect just died out naturally.” The man said, making Lan Sizhui think that the woman was probably right. People didn’t just go missing especially as winter was just around the corner. Lan Sizhui looked out the window. There was plenty of daylight for him to go see the mansion and get back to his juniors. He’d investigate. If it was just a tale then it would be something he would share with his friends when they finally arrived in town.

Before he could turn to say something the woman spoke up again.

“All of them? Their clan was said to have the ranks of Jiang and Nie sects!” She argued.

“That was hundreds of years ago!” Her brother-in-law countered.

“Promise me, that you won’t go back!” She demanded from her husband.

“I promise, dear.” the husband replied making his brother let out a disapproving sound. Their conversation turned towards other topics. So, Lan Sizhui went ahead and finished his food as well, keeping an eye out for them to catch them as they left. He finished just in time for the three to leave. He left money on the table hurrying after them.

Luckily, the three of them had stopped outside and were saying their goodbyes. He approached them with a smile, “Excuse me.”

“Uh yes?” The older man said.

“I couldn’t help but overhear earlier about there being a haunted mansion?” Lan Sizhui stated, “Would you mind telling me how to get there?”

“Oh, sir, since you were listening then you know that you shouldn’t go there.” the woman stated.

“I’ll be alright, I am a disciple from GusuLan Sect.” Lan Sizhui replied, watching them share a look. The wife held on tighter to her husband and the older man was giving him a skeptical look.

“You’re from Gusu?” The younger man asked.

“Yes.” Lan Sizhui nodded.

“It will be a wasted trip, but I’ll take you there. We didn’t see anything earlier.” the older man stated, his tone doubtful.

“Thank you sir.” Lan Sizhui thanked the man before following him towards the mansion. The walk to the mansion had been filled with the man talking about the mansion. Lan Sizhui learned that three hundred years ago that instead of Yao Sect and Jiang Sect the current owners of the divided up land, it used to be protected by the Ouyang Sect. The land had been well taken care of and their people had flourished. That is until one fateful year. There was a feast and the heir to the sect was said to have been approached by a visitor claiming to be in love with him. The person was described as being beautiful with long black hair and skin of white jade. The suitor asked for the heir’s hand in marriage but it was said that the heir rejected them. In a fit of rage from the rejection it is said that the entire Ouyang clan vanished overnight without a trace. It was as if they’d been spirited away mid-meal.

“We are here.” The man said coming to a stop stirring him from his thoughts. Lan Sizhui saw the signs that the woman had mentioned earlier. Two posts had been raised with wooden signs telling people to stay away. He turned back to the man. “This is as far as I’ll go or she’ll have my head. But just follow the road. You’ll know you’re getting close to the mansion when you see the cracked statues of two xiaos. Do you want me to send word to the magistrate that you’re there when I get back?”

“No need.” Lan Sizhui replied, giving him a polite bow, “Thank you for showing me here.”

“You’re welcome.” The man said bowing in return before taking his leave.

Lan Sizhui took a deep breath, letting go of the nervousness that always came with an investigation. The woods along the road were quiet. He hadn’t even heard a bird nor had he seen any animals. The trail that had started wide at the entrance started to wane to a thin line where nature had started to reclaim back what had been carved out.

Just as the trail turned to nothing but grass that’s when he spotted the first stone xiao. It would have been magnificent to see back in its day. Gone were two of the four wings and the bird was missing its beak. Weather and time hadn’t been kind to it. He shifted his gaze seeing that only one wing was left and the bottom half of the bird of the second statue.

“To think what you were.” Lan Sizhui thought out loud as he took a step forward. His gaze was still focused on the headless statue when he heard a twig snap. He quickly turned around to find nothing. He blinked in confusion and was just about to call out when he heard a voice.

“You shouldn’t be here.” a male’s voice stated. Lan Sizhui turned around to see a young man his own age standing there. The man had long brownish-black hair pulled up into a high ponytail. Sunkissed skin made the hazel eyes stand out. A scowl upon his face. He was dressed in black trousers with a black outer robe with a burgundy inner robe. His robes were tied with a leather holster around his waist. Two matching leather bracers around his wrists. He was a few inches taller than Lan Sizhui and lean.

“Do not be afraid, I am Lan Sizhui of GusuLan Sect -” Lan Sizhui began introducing himself.

“If you don’t leave now, you’ll die here.” the man stated bluntly making Lan Sizhui frown. He was about to tell him that he’d protect him but then the heard another twig and the ruffle of leaves like someone was approaching. He turned back around only to find nothing once more.

“What do you-” Lan Sizhui started but stopped when he saw the man was gone. He huffed wondering what was going on. He turned completely around seeing no one was there. It was strange though that he hadn’t heard the other leave nor could he sense the man. He’d been trained by both his fuquin* and shushu* in the art of approaching someone silently and if he can hear them then the man shouldn’t have been able to get away. He wanted to look for him but the daylight was fading and he needed to get back to his juniors. So he decided to head back for the night.

He’d only taken a few steps back when he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Lan Sizhui could feel that he wasn’t alone anymore. He turned back around looking to see if the man had returned but there was no one. He looked up at the swaying branches of the willow trees seeing nothing there too. “This place…” Lan Sizhui murmured before going on his way. He was going to return tomorrow but he was going to stop and see if anyone knew of the man he’d seen first.

—

Additional Notes

Difu - formal; sister-in-law

Fuquin - formal; father - referring to Lan Wangji

Shushu - formal; father’s younger brother - referring to Jiāng Cheng.

///

Read: Part Two 

[starshinegoblin]

A Bunny Burrow Just for You

Untamed Fest Day #4: Bunnies { prompt list } Rating: T Pairing: Sizhen (Lan Sizhui x Ouyang Zizhen) Which Alternate Universe: Of Bones and Destiny  Summary: Zizhen has a cute surprise for Lan Sizhui. 

Writer’s Notes: @ruensroad - our boys are the softest. So I gave them their own bunny burrow ♥♥♥

—

“Hey.” Zizhen called Lan Sizhui, who was sitting at his desk in the classroom. Lan Sizhui looked up and smiled at him. 

“You’re back.” Lan Sizhui commented, setting his quill back down on the inkwell. He’d let the letter to one of the disciples mother’s dry for now. 

“Yes, and I have a surprise for you.” Zizhen grinned, sauntering into the classroom. He stopped in front of the dais, leaning forward to look up into Lan Sizhui’s storm colored eyes. 

“Oh?” Lan Sizhui asked, curious. It’d been odd waking up and finding that his husband had already left their bed for the day. But he didn’t question it. Zizhen was the sect leader of Baling now and there were a lot of things that's changed since the time his family governed the territory. Thankfully, Yiling and Yunmeng were more than happy to guide them back into their roles and land after several negotiations. 

“So, please come with me, husband.” Zizhen asked teasingly as he stretched out his hand to Lan Sizhui. The smile of playful joy on the man’s face made Lan Sizhui want to agree to anything. 

“Since you asked so nicely, husband.” Lan Sizhui chuckled as he stood up and took hold of Zizhen’s hand. Zizhen intertwined their fingers as he helped Lan Sizhui off the dais. He wondered just what the surprise could be when he was led to the outside gardens. 

“Do I get a hint?” Lan Sizhui mused.

“Yes...” Zizhen grinned, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. Lan Sizhui didn’t have time to react other than yelping when suddenly, Zizhen lifted him in his arms bridal style. He wrapped his arms around Zizhen’s neck. Lan Sizhui tucked his face into the crook of Zizhen’s neck. His warm breath tickling his neck.“...that I am carrying you there but you have to close your eyes.” 

“Okay.” Lan Sizhui responded with a little huff before closing his eyes. He could feel the sun through his robes between the shadows of the trees. The wind was nice for the warm spring day. 

“Good husband.” Zizhen teased as he carried Lan Sizhui to his present. He’d been working hard since they left the Cloud of Recesses five months ago to get everything set up. He knew that his husband missed being in Gusu and his family home in the Cloud of Recesses and he hoped that this would make Lan Sizhui smile. 

“How much longer?” Lan Sizhui asked, feeling his husband’s pace slow down.  

“We are almost there.” Zizhen answered, leaning in to gently trace Lan Sizhui’s ear with his nose as he spoke. 

“M’kay.” Lan Sizhui replied, flushing a little. His ears are sensitive and Zizhen knows that. Though he doesn’t get to think about it long because soon he’s being sat down gently on the ground. 

“Please, keep your eyes closed, my love.” Zizhen requested. He waited till Lan Sizhui nodded to go gather up a couple surprises. 

Lan Sizhui smiled as he took in all that he could without seeing. The ground was soft with grass, the wind blew making the leaves on the tree’s rustle, and the occasional bird chirping. He was about to call out to Zizhen when he heard him returning. 

Zizhen sat down facing Lan Sizhui. It’s taken him a little longer to catch one. They did just like Jingyi had said they would. The bunnies he’d gotten have gotten used to their new home and would scamper off  trying not to get caught. 

“Hold your hands out, A-Yuan.” Zizhen instructed and grinned proudly as Lan Sizhui easily held his hands out. He carefully set the fidgety fluffy bunny in his husband’s hands. Lan Sizhui’s brows furrowed. Then he opened his eyes, realizing what was in his hands. 

“You…” Lan Sizhui started then stopped. Just like he’d guessed, it was a small chocolate colored bunny. “..he’s so cute.” Lan Sizhui finished gently petting the bunny just like his fuquin taught him as a child. As he petted the bunny he looked around to see that they were in a small secluded area and there several bunnies around them. 

“You mentioned missing the bunnies in the Cloud of Recesses again after our last visit, and I thought that this might bring you some comfort to have a bunny burrow of our own.” Zizhen confessed leaning in to pet the bunny too. 

Lan Sizhui couldn’t help but feel touched by Zizhen doing this. He leaned in pressing a soft kiss to Zizhen’s dimple. “Thank you, I love it.” Lan Sizhui responded, earning a sheepish smile from Zizhen as he pulled back. Unable to resist kissing that gorgeous smile he set the bunny down letting it hop away and kissed Zizhen again, and again with their bunnies hopping around them.

[starshinegoblin]

The Truth Between Us

I dedicate this to @ruensroad ! It’s all their fault because they’ve made me fall in love with this pairing which led to gushing about Sizhen being post-canon and sworn brothers, how to juniors would be better ones. @the-sassiest-trixster - thank you for inspiring me to better my monsters! This is set post-canon where the juniors are adults and all but Lan Sizhui are Sect Leaders, and all four are sworn brothers.

Key terms:

Bobo - Father’s Older Brother, ref. Lan Xichen

Jiujiu - Mother’s Younger Brother, ref. Jiang Cheng

Shushu - Father’s Younger Brother, ref. Jiang Cheng

——-

“Did you hear? About what is happening just on the outskirts of Baling?” a man whispers trying to be subtle. That is, if you call , him slamming his hand on the table jostling the empty liquor bottles on his table on the other side of the divider. The thin partition showing off the patrons silhouettes. On the other side, Lan Sizhui’s hand stills where he was about to lift his cup of tea. The rain and him finishing his last hunt earlier than expected led him to seek somewhere dry. He was also hungry. The tea house looked well maintained and patrons were happy, which encouraged him to stay. That’s how he found himself listening to the man gossiping.

“No, do tell me?” The other patron asked with a hiccup.

“That the people are being plagued by a demon!” The previous man replies, “It takes the form of someone you love and it asks you a question. If you lie then it kills you!”

“What happens if you tell the truth?”

“Who tells the truth anymore?” The gossiping man slurs before ordering two more jars of liquor.

“I think you’re full of shit.”

“I’m not lying! Ask anyone from Baling. They say that their sect leader is personally going after the demon.” The man defensively states. His comrades busted out laughing and started teasing the man before the conversation changed to another topic.

Lan Sizhui is surprised to hear about this. He was sure that his friend and sworn brother would have said something to him if it were true. Since, Jin Ling or Lan Jingyi hadn’t said anything to him either. He suspected that the news hadn’t reached them yet. He finished what was left of his soup making the decision to head to Baling. If there was any merit to this gossip then he would stay to help his brother. He laid down enough payment to cover his tea and the soup that he’d ordered. If he traveled by sword then he could reach Baling before nightfall.

In, Baling, Ouyang Zizhen was trying to pay attention to the elder of his clan currently speaking. He knew that he should be listening but his mind was focused on the hunt tonight. He doubted that it was an actual demon. He remembered from his studies in the Cloud of Recesses that demons were rare. It was more than likely a murderer or a beast. The forests of Baling were thick especially when nearing the mountains. He was stirred from his thoughts when he noticed that one of his disciples was standing in the doorway awaiting for him to allow her to enter. A flick of his wrist was all that his disciple needed to enter. She quickly made her way down the aisle to him.

“You have a visitor, Sect Leader, from Gusu.” She whispered, leaning forward using her hand to block the elders from reading her lips.

“Hánguāng-jūn and Master Wei?” Ouyang Zizhen asked, turning his head towards her. A concerned expression spreading across his face. Surely, if it had been Lan Jingyi, he would have sent a missive to him, but generally if they were to meet in person they went to Lotus Pier. Lan disciples didn’t come this far south.

“Lan Sizhui, Sect Leader.” She answered shaking her head once.

“Oh.” Ouyang Zizhen muttered, eyes wide. He blinked twice as he wondered why his friend was doing here too. Per his last letter he was close to Lanling. “Take him to my study. I will meet him there shortly.”

His disciple nodded in acknowledgement, bowed respectfully, then left to follow her orders. Ouyang Zizhen turned his attention back to his elders. A smile spreading on his lips as explained to them that their meeting was over, and that they could address their concerns at tomorrow's meetings. At that he got up leaving his elders to sputter and stew together.

“He will be with you shortly.” The disciple informed him with a low bow before leaving him alone in what must be his sworn brother’s study. His dark eyes took in the sight of the room. The dark floors, beautiful artwork, and the bookshelves filled with books and scrolls. Instead of sitting at the low table awaiting the other man, Lan Sizhui walked over to one of the bookshelves. A blown glass figurine of a bear with a golden heart painted in the middle. A small private smile spread across his face before moving on to the books on the next shelf. He reached up lightly touching the spines of the books reading their titles. He couldn’t help but chuckle seeing that shelf only held books on romantic poetry.

“I see you’ve found my secret collection.” Ouyang Zizhen’s timbered voice replied from behind him.

“It’s not secret A-Zhen, when you have them in the open.” Lan Sizhui chuckled, turning around to find his friend holding a tray of tea while approaching the low table.

“It is when I don’t just let anyone in here.” Ouyang Zizhen replied, sitting down and gesturing for Lan Sizhui to join him.

“Well then I feel honored.” Lan Sizhui commented, walking over to join him. He watched as the other man poured him a cup of tea before offering it to him. He could smell the orange tea and it made him smile. When he’d fallen ill after a pretty bad winter, Ouyang Zizhen had sent him some of this tea.

“What brings you Baling, Lan Sizhui?” Ouyang Zizhen asked.

“I heard that there might be a demon in your forest.” Lan Sizhui answered, seeing the smile on his friend’s face fade.

“All the way in Gusu?” Ouyang Zizhen questioned, his brow furrowing and Lan Sizhui could see the wheels turning in the other man’s mind.

“No, I wasn’t in Gusu. I was just outside of Yunmeng when I heard the rumor.” Lan Sizhui stated, taking another drink of his tea. He noticed how Ouyang Zizhen wasn’t drinking but circling his tea in his cup. A look of contemplation on his face. “I haven’t spoken to anyone. I merely heard it and came to see if it was true. If it is, then I will gladly join you in the hunt for the demon, and if it is not then if it’s alright, may I stay here to visit.”

“Of course you are always welcome here, Lan Sizhui.” Ouyang Zizhen said, smiling again and finally taking a drink of his tea. “However, the rumors are true. We’ve gotten reports of people going into the woods and some of them not coming out at night.”

“Then I will join you in the hunt tonight.” Lan Sizhui smiled fondly, taking another drink of his tea.

The night sky was clear with the stars shining bright as they entered the forest. A lukewarm breeze making the leaves shiver and float down from the canopy above them. Ouyang Zizhen waited till they were all gathered past the tree lines to speak to his disciples. He motioned for Lan Sizhui to join him with a tilt of his chin. A nod let him know that he wanted Lan Sizhui to explain to the disciples what he’d discovered about the demon they were hunting.

“If we are to believe the rumors, that one killing in the forest is in fact a demon. We need to be looking for a totem. Demons of Truth are tethered to them.” Lan Sizhui explained, “Which means that they will be highly protective over it.”

“Do we know what it will look like?” A disciple asked.

“They tend to vary but the design will be infernal. You will not mistake it when you see it.” Lan Sizhui answered.

“So be vigilant and give the sign first for us to come to you if you can.” Ouyang Zizhen stated confidently with a pride filled smile that Lan Sizhui has previously witnessed on Jin Ling or his shushu’s face, “ Now, let’s head out.”

There weren't many things that scared Lan Sizhui. His father’s being the Yiling Patriarch and Hánguāng-jūn. But this forest felt otherworldly the deeper they went. So, like his father and Senior Wen advised him, he didn’t look away but he did stay close to Ouyang Zizhen. Not that the man noticed. His dark eyes, focused on trying to find the totem. Lan Sizhui also had no idea why he felt the urge to talk but being around Ouyang Zizhen always made him do so. The uptick in his heart beat too but he pushed that to the back of his mind.

“How long has this been going on, Zizhen?” Lan Sizhui asked, one of the questions he had refused to ask when they were talking about what to do in the study. The brief pause in the other man’s step was the only reaction he got which made him frown. Usually, Ouyang Zizhen was an open book.

“Huang Chenguang,” Ouyang Zizhen called to the disciple closest to them that could still hear their conversation. He gestured for her to join the group of disciples that they could see a little bit aways from them. Lan Sizhui watched as she left them to join the others leaving the two of them alone. He thought that his friend would finally answer him but all he got was silence.

“Zizhen?” Lan Sizhui called out to him after they’d walked a good distance since then still no words between them.

“Three months.” Ouyang Zizhen answered with an exasperated sigh as he kept on walking.

“Three months?” Lan Sizhui stilled for a moment before continuing to follow him, wide eyes staring at his sworn brother’s back. He was confused. Why wouldn’t he have handled it sooner? “What took you so long in checking it out?”

That's when Ouyang Zizhen stopped. Lan Sizhui could see the tension taking form in his back and the clinching of one of his hands. Whatever the reason was, it clearly upset him, and Lan Sizhui knew that it took something grievous to make that happen.

“I’d rather not say.” Ouyang Zizhen answered with another heavy sigh. He shook his head then started walking again.

“Is that why you didn’t reach out to me, Jin Ling, or A-Yi?” Lan Sizhui asked, becoming even more curious as to the reasoning.

“You all are busy and I…”

“Zizhen, I would have come and I know that our brother’s would have too.” Lan Sizhui interrupted him, “Is there something we’ve done to make you think we wouldn’t honor our vows or friendship?”

“I...” Ouyang Zizhen started but stopped, his head turning as if he’d seen something off past some trees. Since he was still a few paces behind the other, a tree had blocked the line of sight.”...did you see that?”

“See what?” Lan Sizhui asked in return right before his friend took off in the direction he’d been looking in. “Wait, Zizhen!” He called, while running after him. As he was chasing Ouyang Zizhen, the air became chilly and he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, like something was closing in on him. Quickly, he paused mid-step, turning around withdrawing his sword only to find nothing.

It had taken him way longer than it should have to realize that he was suddenly alone. That’s when Ouyang Zizhen decided to stop. His heart racing from the chase as he tried to catch his breath. He could have sworn he’d seen someone behind that tree take off once they’d been spotted. But he must have been wrong, the forest playing tricks on him, and all he’d managed to do was lose Lan Sizhui.

“Shit.” he cursed low under his breath. He took a deep breath turning back around to go back the way he came.

“Lan Sizhui!” Ouyang Zizhen called out.

“I’m right here, Zizhen.” Lan Sizhui’s voice said from behind him.

Ouyang Zizhen, sect leader of Baling Ouyang Sect most certainly did not jump nor did he let a very manly squeak of surprise. “Damn it, A-Yuan! Don’t do that.” He cursed, turning around to face his friend.

“Well then don’t go chase things in the woods. Especially when we are hunting a demon.” Lan Sizhui commented, a small teasing smirk on his lips.

“Well...whatever let’s find the totem.” Ouyang Zizhen sheepishly said, looking away. He only hoped that the darkness of the night hid the blush on his cheeks because he could feel the heat rushing to them. He pointedly made sure not to look at the other as he stepped around him. His heart racing and not because he’d just been scared. It had everything to do with the look on his friend’s face. All the feelings that he’d been pushing back into the far reaches of his mind and heart threatening to resurface.

It was one of the reasons that he was reluctant to tell his sworn brothers what was happening. For all of Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi’s childishness they were both so terribly perceptive. And he knew that he held his emotions on his sleeve. It would only take one moment for them to pick up on his feelings. Thankfully, Lan Sizhui was more like Senior Wei, and was slow on that front. He was stirred from his thoughts as he felt Lan Sizhui step up beside him.

“Zizhen, why didn’t you tell us what was going on?” Lan Sizhui asked ending the silence that had fallen between them.

“I just…” Ouyang Zizhen started but stopped as he remembered the other reason why he didn’t want to tell them. All three of his sworn brothers are close to Senior Wei. He just knew that Jin Ling and Lan Sizhui would take the most offense at what was being said.

“What?”

“I…” He stuttered trying to think of what to say. Ouyang Zizhen is still not ready to confess to either reasons. So, he says the one thing he knows is a lie because he’s never been too prideful to ask for help. In fact he welcomes new eyes and help from his brothers and their family. He paused turning to his friend, “Honestly, I didn’t want the help and like I said that I knew you all are bu-” He stopped noticing that Lan Sizhui was no longer walking beside him. He turned just in time to see a change come over his friend. Eyes widening when he realized that this wasn't Lan Sizhui but the demon having taken the form of him!

“LIAR!” The demon, still in the form of his friend, screamed at him. The voice is not the soothing one of Lan Sizhui but like multiple screeching voices at different octaves all at once. Black veins around his eyes became prominent as his eyes became engulfed in black with two rings of violet around a maroon slit pupil. His face twisted in disgust exposing a mouth full of incisors. The growl that came from it before launching itself at him, reminded Ouyang Zizhen that he needed to get away not just stand there.

Ouyang Zizhen was quick but not fast enough to dodge or get his blade up in time to completely stop it. The demon was too swift in Lan Sizhui’s form. One of the hands that had taken the form of blackened claws caught hold of his shoulder. He cried out in pain, feeling the sharpened points rip through his robes into his flesh. Blood streaming down his arm.

He refused to lose his arm to the demon and shifted his body so that he could try to strike it away. Just as he was about to move he heard his name being yelled. The sound of Lan Sizhui’s blade gliding through the air had him swinging his body away as much as he could with the demon still attached to him trying to claw the rest of him.

Ouyang Zizhen might have been too slow for the demon but Lan Sizhui’s blade wasn’t. Though it mattered little when the demon suddenly dematerialized into a maroon colored vaporous form with only the violet rings in its eyes glowing before retreating further into the woods.

“Zizhen!” Lan Sizhui called out to him while running towards him.

“I’m fine.” He said to him once, the other was in front of him.

“That doesn’t look fine.” Lan Sizhui argued as he went to reach out for his arm. The gash was bad and the normal vibrate blue silk covered shoulder was torn with blood still coming from the wound. Lan Sizhui couldn’t help the sharp painful prick in his chest at the other moving his arm away from him. Ouyang Zizhen had never done that before to him.

“I’m fine. Get your sword and we can go after it.” Ouyang Zizhen said sharply, looking away. Lan Sizhui thought he saw the faintest dusting of red on the other’s face.

“Your arm.” Lan Suzhui started, he reached out, the gesture calling his sword back to his hand out of the tree trunk it’d been lodged into when the demon had turned into dark red smoke. Sheathing his sword he gave his friend a pointed look of disapproval. One that usually worked because it was so much like Lan Wangji’s. To his disappointment, Ouyang Zizhen just rolled his eyes at him.

“I said I am fine and we can’t…” Ouyang Zizhen started but noticed his voice slurring at the end. He frowned as his vision started to narrow. “...A-Yuan…” He was able to mutter swaying where he stood. The last thing he saw was Lan Sihui reaching out for him with wide eyes before everything went black.

Lan Sizhui caught his friend easily. He wasn’t going to continue on the hunt with Ouyang Zizhen passed out and injured. He adjusted his hold on the man and made his way back to the other disciples. When Ouyang Zizhen woke up, he would make him see reason then regroup hopefully with their brother’s to rid the forest of the demon.

Ouyang Zizhen groaned in pain as he finally stirred from sleep. His head hurt but not nearly as bad as the searing pain in his right shoulder. It was like he was being struck with zidian - that is if it was a class b or c spiritual weapon which she isn’t. Master Wei had told them about his own scars from zidian. So, he knew that what the demon had done to his shoulder wasn’t good if it felt like this.

To check out the damage, he finally opened his eyes. He blinked trying to get them to focus. That’s when he realized that he wasn’t in the infirmary but his private bed chamber. He was confused. The last thing that he remembered was being in the woods with Lan Sizhui. That fearful expression on his face. He should be in the infirmary. How long was he out? Where was Lan Sizhui?

“He’s gone to make some more of that salve to stave off the curse.” Jin Ling’s deep timbered voice said from beside him. Ouyang Zizhen whipped his head around so fast he felt his neck pop. Ironically, a little relief from his headache was given. He hadn’t thought that he’d said anything out loud but apparently he did.

“A-Ling.” He said hoarsely, his throat sore from non-use. Ouyang Zizhen moved himself to sit up.

“Yes, dumbass it’s me.” Jin Ling sighed from where he was sitting on a chair beside Ouyang Zizhen’s bed. Jin Ling turned from him reaching for the pitcher of water, pouring a cup for Ouyang Zizhen. He leaned over aiding Ouyang Zizhen in drinking the water.

“Thanks.” Ouyang Zizhen said to him, his throat still feeling like it was clogged with sand but not near as much.

“Yeah, yeah.” Jin Ling sighed loudly, while rolling his eyes, “The one you should be thanking is A-Yuan. He’s been the one here taking care of you.”

Ouyang Zizhen blinked looking over at his wounded shoulder. That’s when he realized he was shirtless dressed only in his trousers. His shoulder was free of bandages, five jagged scores on his shoulder. Only the one closest to his neck was pink and puffy from healing. Most likely from all of Lan Sizhui’s efforts. The one beside it looked like it was well on its way to being like the previous mark while the other three were deeper and probably the cause of his pain. They were neatly and precisely sewn shut. He didn’t have to ask to know that these were done by Lan Sizhui as well.

“I…” Ouyang Zizhen started thinking about what he was going to say to Lan Sizhui. That he was sorry? That he was an idiot for not telling them about the demon? That he was an idiot for not realizing he was talking to a demon instead of the man that he’s been in love with for years?

“The answer is yes.” Jin Ling huffed while shaking his head. Ouyang Zizhen swiveled his head back to look at his sworn brother with wide eyes. He hadn’t realized he’d said those things out loud! He flushed in embarrassment. “What? Yes, you should apologize. He’s been tirelessly taking care of you while you’ve been out cold. Yes, you should have told us dumbass.” Jin Ling grumbled, sounding just like his jiujiu, as he flicked Ouyang Zizhen’s forehead.”and no, how could you tell the difference. It takes the form of the one you love.” He raised his hand to stop Ouyang Zizhen from interrupting him, “and yes, me and A-Yi know about you being in love with A-Yuan. We just thought with you being the most romantic between us, you would have confessed already.”

“He’s my best friend.” Ouyang Zizhen said sheepishly, “I don’t want to ruin what we have.”

“What do you think he’s doing?” Jin Ling asked, rolling his eyes.

“Wh-what?” Ouyang Zizhen stuttered just as the shoji door slid open to reveal, Lan Sizhui carrying a tray of what looked like the healing salve and bandages.

“Tell him the truth.” Jin Ling ordered, sounding once again like his jiujiu before leaving them alone shutting the door behind him.

“Tell what truth?” Lan Sizhui asked, wide eyed.

“I...I…” Ouyang Zizhen started stuttering again. The blush deepened on his cheeks as he tried to get his brain to function with him. Before he could say anything Lan Sizhui let out a loud sigh then moved sitting the tray on the bed. He walked up to Ouyang Zizhen gently taking his arm in his cool hands. Eyes focusing on the wound.

“Good, still no infection.” Lan Sizhui said, a thin smile on his face, “Now that you’re awake, you’re going to feel the burn but it’s keeping the curse at bay.”

Ouyang Zizhen was about to ask about the burning feeling when he remembered that Jin Ling had mentioned a curse too. How was he cursed? The only thing that the demon yelled at him was liar, which he had been at the time. But that wasn’t a curse or at least one that he knows of.

“What do you mean curse?” Ouyang Zizhen inquired as Sizhui sat down on the bed reaching for the salve, “How long have I been asleep?”

“Almost four days.” Lan Sizhui answered pointedly not looking at him as he applied the salve. It had a sweet smell to it that probably should have warned him how much in the moment it touched the sensitive first three jagged claw marks that it would be a searing pain. He grimaced and Lan Sizhui started to transfer some of his healing energy to him. Sizhui winced but continued on answering him, “While you were out, I sent for bobo and shushu because you kept bleeding blood that was violet instead of red. Bobo was able to let me know you’d been cursed by the demon, and that the reason you were bleeding like that is because you lied to a truth demon, Zizhen. The only way to break the curse is to confess to the person the demon took the form of and tell the truth to them instead of the lie you told the demon. If you don’t then you turn into one of them.”

Ouyang Zizhen knew that he looked like a gaping fish. But it was a lot to process. “Did they…”

“Yes, bobo, shuhu, and the others were able to find the totem and the demon, but that doesn’t matter. You were infected before the totem was destroyed.” Lan Sizhui answered lowering Ouyang Zizhen’s arm, reaching for the towel to wipe his hands off. He sighed, “Who was it that it took the form of?”

Ouyang Zizhen was about to answer with you but decided to promptly shut his mouth. His gaze fixed on Lan Sizhui, catching how the man’s left eye twitched in annoyance.

“It can’t be that serious, Zizhen. Now, please tell me who it was so that you can speak with them and get this cleared up. So you can heal properly instead of having to lean on this salve. It will not last forever.” Lan Sizhui stated calmly but his eyes showed that he was upset. When Ouyang Zizhen just looked at him not saying anything. He stood up abruptly.

“I will be back.” Lan Sizhui informed him heading for the door.

“It was you.” Ouyang Zizhen blurted out, finding the small uneven worn spot on the floor to be the most fascinating place to look at.

Lan Sizhui stilled, not making it further than the end of the bed. He turned to look at his friend. A ache in chest at the thought that his friend since childhood would lie to him. He just didn’t understand what it could be about...unless it was about why he didn’t reach out to them about the demon?

“And what did you lie to me about?” Lan Sizhui asked.

“It wasn’t you.”

“But it was supposed to be right?” Lan Sizhui countered giving him a pointed look.

“Yes.” Ouyang Zizhen muttered, his gaze flicking up to meet Lan Sizhui’s. He swallowed trying to find the words to best say what he needed too.

“Was it about the demon or something else?” Lan Sizhui asked, trying to keep his tone calm.

“The demon.” Ouyang Zizhen answered, making him feel relieved.

“The reason you were reluctant to tell me why you didn’t reach out to me, I mean us, about it?” Lan Sizhui inquired, earning a nod from his friend.

“I told the demon it was because I knew that I could take care of it on my own.” Ouyang Zizhen answered. Lan Sizhui moved to sit back down on the bed beside him. “The real reason is because of the rumors started after Senior Wei and Hánguāng-jūn visited Lotus Pier.” Ouyang Zizhen confessed, looking up look at him, “You know how the locals like to spread their tall-tales about Senior Wei and they always start right after they visit your shushu and Zéwú-jūn. I suspected that was what was happening until I started getting reports from the magistrates.That’s why it took me so long to address it.”

“Zizhen.” Lan Sizhui said tilting his head watching how his friend looked away from him. An expression he’s seen on Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi more than once. The cost of being a sect leader.

“How do we know the curse is lifted?” Ouyang Zizhen asked, gaze now focused on the salve on the tray beside his leg.

“Senior Wei said to apply it to the wound again and if burning pain is gone then it worked. To double check he said he let the wound bleed. If you’re still bleeding violet then you’re still cursed.” Lan Sizhui answered, using the rag on his hands to wipe some of the salve off the tail end of the scratch closest to him. Then he reached into the bowl of salve, applying a fresh application to it.

“Oh shit.” Ouyang Zizhen jerked away as the pain went through his arm. Lan Sizhui frowned. He didn’t doubt what Ouyang Zizhen had just told him. He had the same sense as his father for people that lied. So, he thought about the first answer that Ouyang Zizhen had given him about why he hadn’t told them about the demon.

“You told me it was because you thought we were all busy. Did you say that to the demon too?” Lan Sizhui asked.

“Uh…” Ouyang Zizhen started trying to remember what he’d exactly said to the demon. Then his eyes widened, a blush forming on his cheeks that he couldn’t hold back if he tried. His memory provides him with the answer. Yes, he’d said almost all of the same thing but the demon had cut him off, attacking him.

“Yes, I did.” He confessed begrudgingly.

“What was the real reason for not telling us?” Lan Sizhui asked, noticing how flushed his friend had become from the question. It only served to further confuse him. He thought that they were all still so close. Well, him and Ouyang Zizhen even more because of how he's been able to come and go. There had been many times after conferences and hunts that he'd joined him on the way back only to part before Baling. Surely, in all that time, he hadn't been misreading their relationship. His own heart sinking at the thought. Though, he didn’t know what to think when a look of fearful determination swept across Ouyang Zizhen’s face as he looked at him.

"Because if A-Ling and A-Yi would have been here then they'd have figured out that I am in love with you." Ouyang Zizhen answered, words rushed almost all together. He didn't want to beat around the bush, having preferred to take it out like an arrow to the back, quickly. But at least he'd done it looking Lan Sizhui in the eyes.

The fact that Lan Suzhui immediately looked away with a frown forming on his lips let him know what he feared. That he'd ruined the closeness they had instead of bringing them together. His felt like he’d been punched in the gut and he needed to get away from the other man. He tossed back the sheets and was about to get out of bed when Lan Sizhui’s hand came down on his wounded shoulder out of reflex stopping him.

“Sorry.” Lan Sizhui apologized as Ouyang Zizhen winced in pain, biting his lip. The feel of icy coolness of when Lan Sizhui channelled his healing energy to him to help relieve the pain, he noticed that the pain was more a sharp pull rather than burning. He looked over at his shoulder seeing that by grabbing his shoulder he’d spread more of the fresher salve. Judging by the wide eyed look on Lan Sizhui’s face he’d caught on too.

"Your..."

"The curse is gone." Ouyang Zizhen stated with a thin smile.

“Good.” Lan Sizhui dropping his hand. His head and heart racing from the revelation. Off all the things that he thought could have been the reason. This hadn't been it. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks. He didn't dare think of how long that Ouyang Zizhen had been in love with him but he knew that he felt something for Ouyang Zizhen. Their time spent together had brought a feeling of warmth in his chest that he didn’t feel with Jin Ling it Lan Jingyi. Maybe it was the same or maybe it wasn't, but the only way to know for sure is to figure it out.

Being the same kind of reckless his father was known for Lan Sizhui closed the distance between them pressing the barest of kisses to his best friend and sworn brother's lips.

Ouyang Zizhen's eyes widened in surprise. His ability to think was stolen from him by the feel of Lan Sizhui's soft lips against his own. Before he could even react, Lan Sizhui was pulling away from him. The door opening with Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi coming in.

“Did he tell you who dem-” Lan Jingyi started to ask both of them stilling as Lan Sizhui shot up from Ouyang Zizhen’s bedside.

“Excuse me.” Lan Sizhui stuttered, flushed from the top of his ears to his neck, and all but running out the room leaving a blushing Ouyang Zizhen to deal with Lan Jingyi and Jin Ling.